Rationally designed supramolecular organogel dual-channel sense F- under gel-gel states via ion-controlled AIE

An organogelator G1 based on multi self-assembly driving forces, fluorescent and colorimetric signal groups and anions binding sites was designed and synthesized. Gelator G1 can form stable organogel accompanied with dramatic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in DMSO. The AIE of the organogel could be controlled on-off-on by alternatively adding F- and H+. When adding F- into the organogel, the AIE quenched and the color of organogel changed from yellow to dark red. In addition, the AIE and color could be restored by adding H+ into the gel. Interestingly, in the F- response process, the organogel didn't show any common gel-sol phase changes. However, the micro morphology of the gel underwent gel gel states changes via the stimuli of F- and recovered by the addition of H+. This gel-gel states anion-responsive gel has the potential applications in the field of smart materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.